Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring gender mainstreaming and engendering a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment for women in Gombe State.
The Governor who stated this in a message to Gombe state women to commemorate the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day themed ‘Inspire Inclusion’, added that his government will continue to facilitate ease of access to resources and opportunities to women, including socio-economic participation and decision-making.
Inuwa Yahaya described women as wonderful partners in the task of nation-building, encouraging them to continue to remain positive and focused as well as use their talents and motherly disposition in ensuring proper upbringing of their wards and contributing to societal growth and development.
He affirmed that since taking office in 2019, his administration has remained steadfast and dedicated to empowering women in the state to achieve their goals and dreams, emphasizing the provision of access to financial resources, entrepreneurship training, and opportunities for skills development as key measures in supporting women’s advancement.
The Governor further emphasized that his administration has prioritized women’s inclusivity with utmost seriousness, and this commitment has led to the continued creation of opportunities for them to actively engage in politics, governance, and leadership roles.
“Let me felicitate with an important organ of our society, the women community of Gombe State on the occasion of this year’s International Women Day.
“This day provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the strides we, as a government, have made towards creating an environment conducive for the girl-child to thrive with dignity and pursue their aspirations across all spheres of life.
“The theme of this year, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, aligns with our government’s objective and vision for women in Gombe State. Since taking office in 2019, I have placed women’s development at the forefront of my administration’s agenda.
“Over the past five years, we have launched initiatives and introduced policies specifically designed to foster inclusion and promote the economic empowerment of women in Gombe State.
“We realise that empowering women goes hand in hand with inclusivity. That is why we are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to actively participate in politics, governance, and community leadership.
“In my administration, women hold key cabinet positions and play significant roles as Special Advisers, Board Chairpersons, Agency Heads, and aides. We have also ensured political inclusion by granting women tickets for Chairmanship and councillorship in all local governments under our great party, the APC.
“To the glory of Allah, they won, and their valuable contributions greatly influenced the implementation of our policies, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of our people,” he stated.
The Governor assured to continue to foster a safe environment for women to thrive, highlighting passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law by the Gombe State House of Assembly aimed at curbing all forms of violence against women and girls in the state as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, ( Press Affairs), Government House Gombe.